South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1887-12-09

TO drop your weapon and 60 on to the
top of that hill yondcr."
s'You are fool!' shouted Dickson.
Don't you know that somebody from
town will come along soon and help me
capture your
"And don't you know" replied the
other. ''that some Of our cavalry arr
coming this way, and may be here any
momenti'
Dickson studied tho face above him.
1t was dark, clear-cut, handsome face,
very youthful and pleasant in its expires
sion.
why you are boy, amt your" waa
his next question, as he took in the
1.-the, willowy form.
'Never mind what I am; my captain
is satisfied with me, and that il
enough"
"You had better drop your pistol and
come down. I'll see that you are
treated WE'LL"
Thanks. Hadn't you better lay
down your weapon aud march over that
hill, and go homo to your wife and
children, if you have anya 1 am not
particularly anxious to have our boys
como along and capture YOU"
The frank and fearless eyes looking
into Dickson's had kind look, and the
angry farmer found that his wrath was
gradually melting. After all, he thought,
there would be little glory in capturing
this bog soldier. And then the fellows
story might be true. II the Federals
were coming in that direction it was
time for good Confederates to HE out.
"What are you doing here, anyhow"
he asked.
II slipped in Blue Rock last night"
was the answer, 'and some of your peo-
pie chased me out. 'AIy horse was shot
and / had to take to the woods. I
climbed up here to be safe until our
cavalry came along"
"Tll tell you what I'll do" broke in
Dickson, don't much want to take
you prisoner, and don't want to shoot
you. On the other hand, I'll admit that
l have no fancy for being shot myself.
But I'm not going to throw down my
pistol. ] will get up and go to town
and when your crowd comes, if it come.
at all, you may expect hot reception if
you are not too many for u.s."
There was pause for moment, and
then the soldier in the tree spoke.
GAN right, I'll trust you," he said.
$50 ahead and Til take no advantage
of you. But you may expect to see me
in Blue Rock before night"
"We'll take care of Blue Rock" de-
family responded Dickson. 'Well, I'm
off. Good bye!'
And he rose to his feet, and walked
off as briskly as he could. He scorned
to look back. If the federal was mean
enough to break his word and fire, it was
all right. But his heart bumped against
his ribs until he had placed 100 yards
between him and the tree.
When the blue jackets swarmed into
the village that afternoon the score or
two of male inhabitints saw that re-
sistance was useless against such force.
''The captain sent me to guard your
property" said soldier, as he paused
in front of Dickson's door.
81 am Obliged to him" replied Dick
son, "but don't see why"
The man went on duty, and the little
family passed the night undisturbed,
and with the feeling that they were Sc
curely protected.
"The captain requests you to come to
his headquarters ~
This message made Dickson little
nervous when it was delivered to him
the next morning. His wife could not
conceal her alarm.
"There is nothing wrong" the messen-
ger assured her THE captain merely
desires to see your husband moment"
There was nothing to do but to go.
Dickson quoted his wife, and proceeded
TO the dwelling indicated to him as the
captains headquarters.
"Glad to see you, Mr.. Dickson the
captain remarked with peculiar smile.
my wife wishes to thank you for your
courteous and sensible conduct yestcr-
day."
''Your wife!' exclaimed the farmer.
And then he saw what had escaped his
notice, that there was a lady in the
room. A very charming little lady,
Dickson thought. She looked fresh and
bright in her simple travelling dress, and
her curly hair, cut short like a boys.
gave her rogiish look. The lady's
face was strangely familiar, and when
the astonished Confederate gazed into
her eyes he recognized her.
'fYou were the soldier in the treep,
he cried.
''Tho same" admitted the captains
wife with laugh
"You see" exclaimed the captain,
"my wife would come down TO see me
in camp, and she would wear a soldiers
uniform. She is n hcadstrong little
thing, and had to yield, but after her
adventure Of yesterday have persuaded
hor IN return homo W. L. n III